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Deputy Ministry Responds To Audit Findings On Digital Citizen Project

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 26, 2026

Clear Commitment To Transparency

The Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy said it remains committed to transparency and legal compliance following an audit report examining the Digital Citizen project. In its response, the ministry rejected suggestions of opacity in the contracting process, stating that procedures were carried out in line with national and European legal frameworks.

Response To Audit Findings

Addressing the Auditor’s report, the ministry said the document raised procedural questions but did not identify evidence of misconduct or legal violations.

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Officials also disputed claims regarding the timing of legal oversight. According to the ministry, the Legal Service was involved from April 2024 during the drafting of the cooperation memorandum and continued to participate throughout the final agreement process, alongside legal representatives from the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance.

Rigorous Implementation And Contractual Integrity

The Digital Citizen project was developed as part of an intergovernmental cooperation between Cyprus and Greece that began in November 2023. The ministry said the partnership was based on European legal provisions that allow cooperation between member states in delivering public digital services.

Officials noted that contractual safeguards were included to protect public interests and that standard provisions, such as 20 days for acceptance of deliverables, follow common practice in similar agreements. Both Cypriot and Greek legal teams were involved throughout the review process, the ministry added.

Financial Prudence And Future Strategic Options

According to the ministry, the project’s cost structure was shaped by the use of existing infrastructure and an already developed technological solution, reducing implementation time and resources compared with building a new system from scratch.

Looking ahead, officials said future development phases may be handled through an open tender process. Options under consideration include expanding the current application to align with European requirements or developing a separate solution as the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI) framework continues to evolve.

Conclusion: A Model Of Digital Transformation

The ministry said the Digital Citizen project forms part of Cyprus’ broader digital transformation strategy and highlighted cross-border cooperation with Greece as a factor that accelerated implementation.

As European digital identity initiatives continue to develop, the project is expected to remain under regulatory and policy review, with transparency and governance continuing to be key areas of focus.

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Cyprus Industrial Production Advances Amid Diversified Sector Growth In 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 26, 2026

Cyprus’ Industrial Production Index rose to 113.0 points in December 2025, marking a 3.5% increase compared with the same month a year earlier, according to data from the Cyprus Statistical Service. The figures suggest continued industrial momentum as the country’s production base expands across several manufacturing segments.

Overview Of Economic Momentum

Based on the 2021 reference value of 100 points, industrial output maintained an upward trend throughout 2025. For the full year, production increased by 3.6%, reflecting steady growth supported by manufacturing activity and ongoing industrial investment.

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Sector Analysis: Winners And Losers

Manufacturing remained the main driver of growth, expanding by 4.6% in December. Water supply and materials recovery also contributed, rising by 3.2%.

Other sectors showed weaker performance. Electricity supply declined by 2.4% compared with December 2024, while mining and quarrying fell by 1.7%, highlighting uneven performance across the industrial landscape.

In-Depth Manufacturing Performance

Within manufacturing, furniture production and related activities, including machinery repair and installation, recorded one of the strongest gains, rising 13.8% year over year.

Wood and cork products, excluding furniture, increased by 11.9%, while machinery, motor vehicles, and transport equipment production rose by 8.1%.

Annual Trends And Segment Challenges

For the full year, the manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products posted the strongest growth, rising 10.9% compared with 2024. Wood and cork products grew by 9.1%, while basic metals and fabricated metal products increased by 8%.

Furniture-related activities expanded by 7.2%. At the same time, paper products and printing declined by 9.5%, while textiles, apparel, and leather products fell by 3.8%. Electricity supply recorded a full-year decline of 2%, underscoring differences in sector performance.

Outlook

The latest data points to continued growth in Cyprus’ industrial sector, led primarily by manufacturing. At the same time, weaker performance in energy and selected manufacturing segments highlights areas where productivity and investment strategies may shape future industrial performance.